बे-नवा

Meaning

Destitute, voiceless, poor, or helpless; a humble beggar or dervish.

Detailed Meaning

Literally meaning lacking melody or voice ('navā'), it traditionally signifies destitute, helpless, or an impoverished mendicant. In this couplet, it is used as a self-effacing epithet for the poet himself ('Iqbal the destitute'), contrasting his worldly humbleness with the fiery intensity of his verse. It reflects the spiritual poverty and detachment characteristic of a dervish.

Etymology

Persian compound formed from 'be' (without) and 'nawā' (voice, tune, wealth, sustenance).

Usage

In classical Urdu poetry, 'be-nawā' frequently serves as a humble self-descriptor used by the poet to signify spiritual modesty and detachment from worldly riches.

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Related Words